Space Technology and Geographic Information Systems Applications in adb projects

Contribution of Space Technology 
The key activities of the technical assistance component for satellite-based drought monitoring are:
(i) development of a sustainable satellite-based drought monitoring and warning system in the GMS; 
(ii) identification of drought vulnerable areas in the GMS with the developed system; (iii) development 
of methodology of cost–benefit analysis for an economic loss due to droughts in the GMS with the 
developed system; and (iv) development of the capacity of policy makers and data providers in the GMS 
for applying space-based technology for drought management.

---

Space Technology Applications in Asian Development Bank Projects 
|
13
The consultant developed the system that provides near-real-time satellite-based drought indices and 
provincial level drought warning information for policy makers. The drought index used in the system 
is Keetch Byram Drought Index, which is a meteorological drought index based on rainfall deficit, 
based on satellite rainfall data GSMaP product. This index has spatial resolution of 10 km and is daily 
updated. It is freely available from the University of Tokyo. This system automatically collects the indices 
from the University of Tokyo website and adjusts them for the use in the GMS. It also calculates the 
provincial level drought warning information based on the indices and warning thresholds. The index 
and warning information will be displayed on a webpage and linked to the GMS-Agriculture Information 
Network (AIN) website (http://www.gms-ain.org/). This system ensures its sustainability by using freely 
available satellite data and drought index obtained from satellites and automatic data processing by 
software. Once the system is developed by the consultant and installed on a server, it automatically 
processes and displays data, and does not require any human resources for operation.
Results
The developed web-based GIS system showing the satellite-based drought index and provincial 
level drought warning information in GMS was linked to the GMS-Agriculture Information Network 
website. Drought risk maps and cost–benefit analyses developed using the system were made available.
A capacity development program for both policy makers and technicians in relevant agencies to apply the 
developed system was conducted. This has increased the capacity of CASP and participating countries 
to apply satellite-based regional drought monitoring, warning systems, and relevant information.